Voicesacrossthespectrum

Voices features video and quotes from policy-makers, worker and employer representatives from the field of audiovisual, radio, live performance, programme-making and special events regarding EU spectrum policy. Read the WSG Shared Vision here.

POLICY-MAKERS

“The European audiovisual model is specific compared to other models, in terms of free access, territorial differences, user friendliness and creativity [...] The consistency of spectrum policies needs to be ensured at EU level. The good news is that the 20-25-30 model is now the backbone of EU spectrum policy”.

“The creation and distribution of audiovisual content is one of the main drivers of the digital economy [...] Reaching 250 million Europeans, Digital Terrestrial Television is an integral part of the European audiovisual model”

“We need to take into account the bigger picture, the wider spectrum when we look at how to allocate frequencies for Europe. As policy-makers we need to have an approach that looks at all the moving parts, supported by a strong common vision and commitments. I believe it is possible to achieve a comprehensive compromise package which ensures a win-win solution”

"Linking in to comments on my report on films, employers and employees in Europe in this creative Europe sector that operate in the 700 MHz area, which is of great importance for the creative industries - TV, Radio, Sound and recordings of major events. My question is: as you prepare for publication of the Digital Single Market Strategy what will be done about the allocation of the 700 MHz bandwidth for the cultural sector ?"

Stakeholders

"United we stand stronger. We are urging European policy makers to preserve and enhance the European audio-visual model. In this regard, the decisions on the allocation of frequencies between the audio-visual and telecommunications sectors are crucial as they impact the ability to create and deliver the contents, the plurality of the media and the economics of a sector which represents 14 million jobs and €860bn of turnover in Europe"

"Regulation of radio frequencies can weaken or strengthen the balance of the ecosystem. Thus, it is not a technical issue, it is an industrial issue, it is a cultural issue. It is time for the EU to turn to an industrial strategy. We ask for a strategy that seeks to achieve a sustainable, diverse, fair and inclusive digital single market. DTT must be an integral part of this strategy”

"We need bold and brave initiatives. We need an industrial policy for the audiovisual media sector to drive innovation, investment in content and the uptake of digital services in the EU. This means acknowledging what is happening in the real world. DTT is the backbone of public service TV access and a pillar of the European audiovisual model. The Lamy report correctly shows that we need both broadcasting and broadband to coexist to meet different demands of the public"

"In Italy, TV alone accounts for 1% of GDP and employs around 50,000 people, along with 12,000 subcontractors and SMEs. Linear television is a key driver of audiovisual content production and distribution. DTT grants EU citizens free access to a quality universal service and plays a pivotal role in the EU audio-visual industry for the promotion of cultural diversity. The EP should call on the EC and the Member States to implement with no further delay the recommendations of the Lamy report which should constitute a common EU position in Geneva at WRC15"

VINCENT SNEED, Manager Association of European Radios

ALAN MARCH, Co-President of the Association of Professional Wirless Production Technologies

"VLV is anxious to preserve the public value of freely available Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and its public services and robustly to protect the UHF spectrum as a means to deliver those services. There appears to be no currently available alternative technology for broadcasters and consumers that is as efficient, independent, cost-effective (free at the point of use) and universally available as DTT. To ensure European decision-makers fully appreciate the link between spectrum policy and quality and diversity in broadcasting, the VLV has added its voice to the Wider Spectrum Group (WSG)"

“Television is the lifeblood of Europe’s creative economy with the power to deliver economic growth, employment and cultural diversity. We fully support the Wider Spectrum Group’s calls for a strategy which reflects the continuing importance of terrestrial TV and the need for policies which ensure it delivers value for citizens across the EU. We look forward to working with the Group and its members to highlight how DTT platforms such as Freeview in the UK are evolving to embrace the potential of an increasingly connected world”

“The European Coordination of Independent Producers (CEPI) represents the interests of independent production companies in Europe. Our members supply over 16,000 hours of new programming each year to broadcasters in Europe. They are an essential part of the creative and cultural sector. A sector that deserves an industrial strategy where spectrum allocation policy ensures sustained financing, distribution, diversity and production quality of European works. CEPI therefore adds its voice to that of the Wider Spectrum Group and looks forward to ensure the cultural and creative ramifications of spectrum policy are fully accounted for“

“Alongside the broadcasting, the live performance sector relies on spectrum in the UHF to guarantee the audio quality that audiences request and performers and technicians use wireless microphone devices to facilitate the work. Wireless microphone technology makes use of radio spectrum in a highly efficient way and as such is an example for other newly deployed technologies. The live performance and broadcasting are also a good example of co-existence, as both sectors have operated and applied coexistence since decades. Pearle* - Live Performance Europe is delighted to join the Wider Spectrum Group calling the EU to position culture and cultural diversity in the heart of Europe’s digital policy”